In the conversation for Sunday, August 7, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us five ways that open us up to receive God's power in our lives. The passages for this conversation are listed below.

Praise"You won’t fight this battle. Instead, take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord for you," ...After he had advised the people, he appointed people to sing to the Lord and praise him for the beauty of his holiness. As they went in front of the troops, they sang, “Thank the Lord because his mercy endures forever!” As they started to sing praises, the Lord set ambushes against them.... They were defeated.Chronicles 20:17, 21-22, GW

CommunionBut a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.1 Corinthians 11:28, NASB

ConfessionIf we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9, NASB

ForgivenessIf you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. I don’t want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan’s scheming.2 Corinthians 2:10-11, GW

GivingGive, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.Luke 6:38, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:22; Conversation, 12:22–50:25

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart,Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehoodAnd has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LordAnd righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him,Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah.Psalms 24:3-6, NASB